Simulations
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Simulations in biology can be very useful in explaining and demonstrating concepts. They can also make very successful IAs if the recommendations listed earlier in this book are followed. is the recommend simulation for biology due to the quality of the simulations, the number of variables and the ability of the program to generate variation so that the same result is not given every time. This allows for multiple trials and standard deviation to be calculated. The list below is a curated list of the best, mostly free, simulations.
Simulation
IB Topics
IA Simulations
Learning
Enzymes, natural selection, evolution, immunology, infectious diseases, ecology, climate change
Yes, there are a huge number of simulations that could be used.
Genetics, epigenetics, digestion, flowering plants, neurons and neurobiology
Possibly
great visualizations and animations
Neurons, gene expression, natural selection
No
Yes
Various topics
Yes, there are a number of simulations that would work.
Yes, great simulations ranging from biochemistry to ecology.
Ecology, evolution,
genetics, proteins
Possibly, there are a huge number of simulations that could be adapted.
Yes, there are a huge number of simulations that could be used.
Genetics, immunity, neurons and neurobiology
Possibly, the lab simulations, while a bit tedious, could be adapted to an IA.
Yes, excellent set of resources to develop students analysis skills for data analysis questions and the IA.
Cells
No
Yes, a great introduction to microscopes if you are working virtually.
Gel electrophoresis
Yes, allows students to manipulate a number of variables.
Yes, great for teaching the basics of genetics.
Genetics, evolution and heredity
Yes, some of the simulations could be used for IA work.
Yes, natural selection and heredity simulations can be used for learning.
Image: , Unsplash, 2019.
Yes, this is the gold standard for biology simulations. This gives a few ideas.
(Mac only)
